Letter: ATR Supports Amended House Bill 15/Senate Bill 50

April 6, 2021

To: Members of the Florida House of Representatives

From: Americans for Tax Reform

Re: HB 15/SB 50

Dear Representative,

On behalf of Americans for Tax Reform and our supporters across Florida, I write in support of the recently amended version of House Bill 15.

This legislation is revenue neutral. It will not increase the tax burden on Floridians, and is likely to reduce the overall tax burden by significantly and permanently cutting the commercial lease tax, and contributing to the unemployment trust fund to avoid automatic future tax increases on businesses. These measures offset the additional revenue raised by the bill through an online sales tax.

Following these adjustments, HB 15 is now an example of tax reform that puts taxpayers first by protecting them from any potential tax increase. The estimated $1.08 billion in recurring revenue raised to the state annually through online sales taxation will be effectively countered by $1.09 billion in estimated annual savings from the reduction to commercial lease and rent tax.

By averting tax increases on businesses recovering from the pandemic, and reducing taxes on commercial leases, Florida businesses who have been hit by an unprecedented pandemic will have an easier time recovering. This promises to protect jobs, and keep costs from rising on consumers.

Over time these polices will likely amount to a net reduction in Florida’s tax burden.

Legislators, especially the more than 30 who have signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge committing to oppose tax increases, can enthusiastically support the updated HB 15.

We appreciate the hard work put in by lawmakers, and legislative leadership, to add additional tax reductions to this legislation to ensure Florida taxpayers are protected, and the state’s economy and businesses have an easier time recovering from the pandemic – even as Congress attempts to meddle with the ability of states to reduce burdens on taxpayers.

Florida continues to lead the way with the most attractive business climate of any large state, and the strong job and population growth to go with it. Continuing an approach to tax reform that puts taxpayers first and keeps limiting the burden on families and businesses will ensure the state keeps that lead.

For these reasons, ATR supports HB 15.

If you have any questions, or ATR can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me or State Projects Director Doug Kellogg at [email protected], or 202-785-0266.

 

Sincerely,

Grover G. Norquist

President

Americans for Tax Reform